Lexus models in the US suffer faulty software update

Lexus drivers in the US have seen a faulty software update cause havoc with their vehicles’ infotainment system.

An update, delivered wirelessly, has caused units to fail, affecting systems including the satellite navigation, sound and climate control.

Videos posted online by some of those affected show systems in different Lexus models either crash or continually restart when booting up.

Lexus UK said the issues appear to affect cars fitted with the Lexus Enform system, a connected technology service that provides features including emergency assistance, remote vehicle data access and vehicle tracking. Enform is not available in the UK.

A tweet by Lexus acknowledged that the issue had affected “many” units and said the company was working around the clock to find a solution, while the firm’s spokesman Moe Durand told Automotive News that the issue was caused by a faulty update sent by satellite.

He said Lexus hasn’t yet determined whether a fix would require a visit to a dealership.

However, one US dealer, Woodfield Lexus in Illinois, suggested on its Facebook page that the issue affected 2014, 2015 and 2016 cars fitted with navigation, and that it was fixable by the dealer with a system reset.

In a statement, Lexus UK said: “We understand that the Enform system is specific to the US market and therefore would expect it to be an issue that only affects US customers.”

I was thinking, too, that as we become more reliant upon electronics, the danger of widespread disruption through faulty software updates (or a virus?) could be a bit worrying. But then, one would hope that as time goes by, the programmers will get better, or the protections better, so perhaps we should not worry. News flash 2025... City xyz nearly ground to a halt today as all autonomous vehicles with recent software update stopped working after 10 minutes of use. The programmers are working on the issue, although it may take a while to find a solution. Meanwhile, through remote access, a roll-back of the software will be carried out. Drivers are urged to stay with their vehicle.